A recent study reveals that nearly one in five students in Germany harbor antisemitic tendencies, shedding light on concerning attitudes prevalent among university students in the country, particularly in the aftermath of the Hamas terrorist attack. Incidents of antisemitism, including those occurring within academic institutions like the Free University (FU) in Berlin, have prompted attention and raised alarms.
The study, commissioned by the Federal Research Ministry following the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel, surveyed over 2,300 students to gauge the extent of anti-Semitic sentiments among the student population. The findings, presented at the ministry in Berlin, indicate that while the majority of students do not endorse antisemitic views, a significant minority, approximately one in five, exhibit such attitudes or inclinations.
The research delved into various aspects, including students’ perceptions of the Hamas attack on Israel, experiences of discrimination, and attitudes toward the conflict in Gaza. It found that around a third of Jewish students reported experiencing discrimination themselves, with over half witnessing discrimination at their universities. Notably, while 71 percent of students condemned Hamas’ attack as an act of terrorism, 12 percent viewed it as part of the Palestinians’ legitimate struggle for liberation.
According to Thomas Hinz, the study’s author, approximately ten percent of respondents demonstrated potential for radicalization, particularly in response to provocative actions or slogans directed against Israel. However, he noted a nuanced spectrum of opinions among students, with the majority condemning Hamas’ actions while also expressing criticism of Israeli military operations and concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Andreas Zick, a violence and conflict researcher from Bielefeld, highlighted the role of education in mitigating antisemitic attitudes, noting that students who received education in the German system displayed lower levels of antisemitism compared to their counterparts. This underscores the importance of effective educational initiatives in countering prejudice and fostering tolerance.
The study employed statements commonly used in antisemitism research to assess attitudes, revealing that over 80 percent of respondents did not exhibit antisemitic beliefs. Nevertheless, approximately 17 to 18 percent displayed such attitudes or tendencies.
In response to the findings, Federal Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger emphasized the need for decisive action to address discrimination within universities. She called for university administrations to utilize existing legal mechanisms and for state authorities to review and adapt university laws to enable the expulsion of students in cases of severe discrimination. Additionally, Stark-Watzinger urged non-Jewish students to demonstrate moral courage by actively opposing antisemitic behavior on their campuses.
